August 14, 2007

Ambulances ‘can’t handle terrain’

Star: TANAH RATA: The RM112mil Cameron Highlands Hospital that opened in January may have impressive facilities but has had to borrow ambulances because the ones it has cannot handle the hilly terrain.
The hospital has been borrowing two ambulances from hospitals in Kuala Lipis and Temerloh after staff realised that the three new ones, sent by the Health Ministry’s engineering division, could not handle the highlands’ hilly terrain.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, who visited the hospital yesterday, expressed surprise and said the ambulances had to be modified to handle the terrain.
“We will look into this. These ambulances are suitable for use in towns and rural areas, but the nature of Cameron Highlands’ terrain is such that they cannot be used here.”
A fully-equipped ambulance, he added, cost about RM300,000 but more needed to be spent to modify it.
On another matter, Dr Chua said there was a need to set up a haemodialysis centre in Cameron Highlands, adding that the ministry would look into the funds and personnel needed.
The hospital’s director, Dr Mahanim Md Yusof, said they currently had six kidney patients who travel to Kuantan Hospital, Tapah Hospital or Ipoh Hospital for dialysis treatments.